Pumps & Well Water Filter Systems in the Cowichan Valley

Russ Batyi

With over 40 years experience in this highly specialized field we are pleased to have Russ Batyi service our clients. Russ brings a vast knowledge of all aspects of the trade as well having resided locally for decades knows the local water demographics very well and may have in fact serviced your residential or commercial system in the past. Russ is easy to talk to and always available to chat to direct to answer any of your questions and concerns. You’re going to like Russ!

Russ specializes in:

Deep and Shallow Well Installations and Repairs
Water Filtration Design, Installations and Maintenance
Well Testing and Reports
Pump Installations and Service
Annual & Semi-Annual Service Agreements
Rain Water Harvesting and Cistern Systems
24/7 Emergency Services
Residential/Commercial/Industrial
Water Testing
Well Disinfection

From simple residential below counter reverse osmosis filtration systems to commercial & industrial installation services Vortech filtration systems have you covered. With years of experience in the field we have the benefit of reviewing systems that have stood up to the most challenging environments in both pumps and filtration equipment and as such have focused on specific manufactures to provide us with parts, equipment and design. Filtration starts with a water sample which is then delivered to a third party designer for a complete and thorough water chemistry review followed by a recommended design.

We strongly believe in less is more in this industry placing focus on systems that require minimal maintenance and servicing requirements. Ask us how we can help with your water filtration installation or servicing requirements.

We could add 20 pages of content on this subject but why not call us direct to speed things up!

Deep Well Pump Installations

We could add 20 pages of content on this subject but why not call us direct to speed things up!

Deep well pump installations may require the use of a portable crane service. Vortech has the equipment to deliver with our Dodge 5500 4×4 crane unit which as shown in this picture is able to access those difficult locations.

Check out our new Pump Puller!

This unit is incredibly powerful and capable of pulling pumps to a maximum 600ft depth. The real benefit however is that this unit is portable allowing us to get into those tight well head locations the crane trucks often cannot access as well preventing lawn and yard damage due to the heavier rigs.

We pack this little red fella on our main service van so when needed we’re ready to go with no delays or downtime while waiting for crane services.

1981 15HP – 150GPM Farm irrigation pump replacement.

Deep well pump installation using the mobile crane service. This was a 400ft well delivering 10GPM. The service includes full installation and wiring requirements and will be follwed up with water treatment equipment.

50 GPM deep well pump installation for the municipality installed with 4″ stainless steel pipe. This well is capable of producing 400 GPM and the system had been designed to accommodate 200 + homes.

Installation of a Nextsand filter, Manganese greensand filter and water softener system. A final Trojan D4 ultra violet system has been installed to assure a polished and purified water.

Types of Groundwater Wells

Where does my drinking water come from?

This is a question we hear and answer every day. To keep it simple, there are two main geologic units that we extract our groundwater from: (1) overburden (sand and gravel) deposits, and (2) bedrock. Wells in sand and gravel deposits are typically shallow (less than 40 feet) and maybe referred to as dug wells, point wells, spring wells and screened wells. Groundwater flows through the spaces (pore space) in the sand and gravel materials and into the well. For bedrock wells water flows through the fractures/cracks in the rock and into the open borehole of the well. The above schematic shows the difference of where water originates from and how it gets to the well. For any well, you must have saturated zone below the water table from which water is extracted. When you turn your pump on, the water level drops. The depth to which the water level drops is dependent on the amount of water you are pumping and the recharge capacity (the ability of water to flow through) of the surrounding geologic material.

Whichever type of well is your water source, knowing the amount of water that you can extract (well yield) is very important. A good rule of thumb is to be able to pump 3-5 gallons per minute (gpm) over a 4 hour period. And to have the water level in the well recover to the pre-pumping within 2 hours so that you can repeat the 4 hours pumping period. However, demands of each household is different dependent on the number of persons in the home and the amount of outdoor water use.

Constant Pressure Systems

Loosing pressure or pressure fluctuations in your home is nothing short of frustrating. Pressure tanks have been the choice for decades however in the last decade constant pressure systems have become very popular, allowing for even and “constant” pressure throughout your home thus eliminating fluctuations and allowing multiple fixtures to run at the same time.

Vortech has been installing this system now for years on both new applications as well changing existing pressure tank systems. Pentek, Franklin & Grundfos are our supplier choices

If you require well or water treatment services in the Cowichan Valley, Saltspring Island, Quadra Island or the Nanaimo area, give us a call. With 24hr emergency standby we’ll make sure your never without water for long.

Give Vortech a call 24/7 Call 250 746 0706

TROUBLESHOOTING WELL AND WATER PROBLEMS: SOME COMMON QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Q – Why doesn’t my well produce water anymore?

A – There may be several reasons why water is not delivered from a well. First check your breaker box to see if the breaker is tripped. You should call Vortech Plumbing to check the pump and pump control equipment, which may have failed. The pump installer can also check the water level in the well. Overuse of the aquifer may have dropped the groundwater level below the depth of your well.

Q – Why does my well seem to pump less water than it used to?

A – Over time minerals or bacteria can constrict your water well screen or your water system pump or piping. Overuse or seasonal lack of recharge of the aquifer can also cause the groundwater level to drop and thus decrease the amount of water that can enter the well. We can check your pump, piping and water level. We can also measure the yield of your well and compare it to the yield when the well was originally drilled.

Q – Why does my pump seem to run every time I turn on the tap?

A – The pressure in your water system is regulated by a pressure tank so that the pump does not have to be run every time there is demand for water. The tank has an air bladder in it that can rupture. Call us at 250 746 0706 to check the pressure tank.

Q – Why does my water fizz?

A – Your well water has gas dissolved in it. This gas may be harmless air or carbon dioxide. It may also be methane. Have the water tested by a laboratory to determine what the gas is and whether or not a treatment system is necessary.

What our customers say:

"I cannot say enough good things about my experience with Charles and the crew at Vortech. I have used their services on two separate occasions and both times I was impressed with their professionalism and excellent customer service. This is a professional, trustworthy, and reliable company that I highly recommend to everyone. They give upfront and honest quotes. They come prepared and their work is fast, efficient, and dependable. Based on prior experience, this is not a given in this industry. So before you go with the big name alternative, consider giving Vortech a call instead. I will never call anyone else."

Nissa Bell

Victoria B.C.
"Vortech Plumbing came recommended. I met Charles, we agreed on a price with no hidden fees or contracts. The following week had his two men at our house removing bathroom fixtures and installing a new Soaker tub and Shower unit. Drywall was completed and had them back to install the fixtures and trim. My experience with this company was excellent. I will highly recommend them and have to friends and family. An old fashioned hand shake style service is what we received. Such a pleasure to do business with. Great guys, good service at value price. Thanks again."

D Martin

Duncan B.C.
"Vortech was recommended by a family member to evaluate a loss of water pressure in our home. A broken water main was determined to be the cause under the concrete slab of our home. We had three companies come and quote the job. We decided on Vortech, their approach and expertise separated them from the others and was as well most cost efficient. My husband and I were extremely pleased with the outcome and professionalism shown and as such would highly recommend their services. Fast and very organized. Excellent job."

Dorothy Walton, RN

Duncan B.C.
Choosing the right professional for our large home renovation, including two new bathrooms and laundry and kitchen, we went with Charles from Vortech Plumbing. New to the Cowichan Valley we had no experience with trades and felt it necessary to phone our local municipality for recommendations as well asked others in the community. Charles's name came up on several occasions. A true professional with excellent communication and patience. The job was done well within our time allowance and the quote honored. In short a pleasure to work with. Vortech Plumbing will be plumbing our new home next spring and highly recommend their services and knowledgable staff.

Pierre Dufour

Cowichan Valley
I had a serious drainage issue on my property. I called Charles from Vortech Plumbing and Drainage and he promptly assessed the situation and provided a logical and affordable solution. What a refreshing change to deal with a true and knowledgeable professional who quotes a fair price and then honors it!. No surprises and no hidden charges. The work was done quickly and to a very high standard. I will highly recommend Vortech.

Cathal Walsh

Duncan, B.C.
Sometimes you just luck out... Having just purchased a new home in Maple Bay we had the very good fortune of being steered to Vortech Plumbing by a friend. We had a drainage problem and needed it fixed. At first, we all assumed it was a simple job but as the digging got deeper and the problem became more complex we realized just how lucky we were to have Charles and his crew working on our behalf. Charles and his men were excellent; pleasant, hard working, as tidy as you can be working in mud, and always willing to explain what they were doing and why. Charles briefed us at each step of the way and made sure we were comfortable with their progress and direction. The end result was much better than we had hoped for and we're very happy with the work and the clean up. I would not hesitate to recommend Charles and Vortech Plumbing and Drainage (and already have) to anyone in need of drainage or plumbing work. The problem will be solved efficiently, effectively and with open and honest communication. Have a great day Charles.... and thank you.

Carolyn Daley

Maple Bay, B.C.